SIXERS: Sixers sign Pargo to 10-day deal

PHILADELPIHIA — Under what could be several layers of hidden meaning Thursday, the Sixers signed free-agent guard Jeremy Pargo to a 10-day contract.

Pargo had made 11 starts in 24 games this season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 7.8 points, 2.6 assists, 1.3 rebounds and 17.9 minutes. He was waived Jan. 22.

The 6-2, 219-pound point guard from Gonzaga will take Shelvin Mack’s place on the roster. Mack was waived after playing out his second 10-day contract. Were they to keep Mack, they Sixers would have been contractually obligated to employ him for the rest of the season. The addition of Pargo will give them more roster flexibility, a signal that they are open for activity before the Feb. 21 NBA trade deadline.

Beyond that option, Doug Collins revealed Thursday that he will be willing to play Pargo with Jrue Holiday, shifting his All-Star to an off-guard position. While Collins did not suggest that as a permanent plan, it was a hint that the Sixers maintain visions of a point-guard upgrade, with Holiday well-suited, too, for an off-the-ball role.

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“We think he (Pargo) can play pick and roll,” Collins said after an informal team workout at PCOM. “We think he can pressure the ball up the floor, give us some speed. I am hoping we can play he and Jrue together to get Jrue off the ball a little bit and get Jrue’s minutes down a little bit.

“Jrue, to me, is playing a little fatigued right now, I don’t know as much physically as mentally, because he has had to carry so much of a load for us.”

Pargo went un-drafted in 2009, played overseas, then signed with Memphis before last season. He was traded to the Cavs in July and dropped a career-high 28 points on the Sixers in November.

“We are a little shorthanded,” Pargo said. “Guys are banged up. The whole focus is to come out and be myself. That’s the one thing I want to do: Be myself and let the chips fall where they may.”

Pargo is known as a physical, energetic guard. His brother, Jannero, plays for the Atlanta Hawks.

“It was a little bit tough,” he said, of being released by the Cavaliers. “I didn’t see it coming, honestly. But it happened and I am here now and I am doing my best to make the most of the situation I am in.”

Pargo has averaged 4.7 points in 69 career NBA games. He will wear No. 0.

“I know Spencer Hawes a little bit,” he said, smiling. “He played at my rival school, Washington, while I played at Gonzaga. So I beat up on him a little bit.”

Pargo worked with the Sixers Thursday and will practice fully Friday. The next game is Saturday (8 p.m.) against visiting Charlotte.